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Foundation Year in Science

Learn about the course below

Foundation Year in Science

Code
See How to apply tab
Start
September 2024
Duration
1 year full-time
+ 3 years full-time
Attendance
Full-time
Fees
£9,250 (UK) *
£16,600 (INT) *
Course leader
Helen Roberts

The Foundation Year in Science is offered as an entry route to a wide range of science degrees operating in the faculty of Science and Technology from those in biology, biochemistry, pharmaceutical chemistry, biomedical sciences, environmental sciences, environmental health, public health or nutrition degree. We have similar foundation year options for computing. engineering, sports science, psychology and law. It is specifically for students who don't yet meet the entry requirements for degree-level study.

Why study the Foundation Year in Science at Middlesex University?

You enrol on a four-year course, which includes the one-year foundation course. If you complete this year successfully you progress directly to the course your applied for – you can also transfer to other degree courses in science subject to availability. The number of students who progress to degree study is  high and in fact many foundation year students have gone on to become some of our most successful graduates.

The Foundation Year is for you if:

  • you do not have the right qualifications for a full degree
  • you feel you are not yet ready for degree-level study
  • you are returning to study and feel you need some help to get up to speed with the demands of learning before embarking on a degree.

How to apply

If you are interested in studying the foundation year you must apply to one of our four-year degree courses. Please have a look at the How to apply tab for further information. Successful completion of the foundation year guarantees entry to your chosen degree.

We offer:

*Please note that it is not possible to apply for the MSci route with a foundation year.


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What will you study on the Foundation Year in Science?

You will study all four modules simultaneously over the year which means you have the chance to examine topics in-depth.​ As a student of this course you'll receive a free electronic textbook for every module.​

Modules

  • Core modules

    • Life Sciences (30 credits) - Compulsory

      This module explores fundamental concepts and principles in biology and chemistry to support future studies in programmes related to life sciences. Lectures will provide explanations of key biological and chemical concepts, seminars and workshops will consist of interactive activities and group events, and lab sessions will enable you to develop core laboratory skills and practice.

    • SMART (Students Mastering Academic writing, Research and Technology) (30 credits) - Compulsory​

      This module introduces some fundamental mathematical topics and concepts that are required in a range of subjects studied at degree level. In a structured and supportive environment, you will begin to develop an appreciation of the importance of mathematics as an aid to understand and describe abstract ideas.

    • Foundation Mathematics (30 credits) - Compulsory​

      This module introduces some fundamental mathematical topics and concepts that are required in a range of subjects studied at degree level. In a structured and supportive environment, you will begin to develop an appreciation of the importance of mathematics as an aid to understand and describe abstract ideas.

    • Chemistry (30 credits) - Compulsory​

      The aim of this module is to provide you with an understanding of the fundamental concepts in chemistry and biochemistry to support your future studies in Natural Sciences. You will study a range of topics such as atomic structure, chemical bonding, acids and bases, and chemical equilibria. Your learning will be enhanced through laboratory sessions, enabling you to put theory into practice.

More information about this course

See the course specification for more information:

Optional modules are usually available at levels 5 and 6, although optional modules are not offered on every course. Where optional modules are available, you will be asked to make your choice during the previous academic year. If we have insufficient numbers of students interested in an optional module, or there are staffing changes which affect the teaching, it may not be offered. If an optional module will not run, we will advise you after the module selection period when numbers are confirmed, or at the earliest time that the programme team make the decision not to run the module, and help you choose an alternative module.

How is the Foundation Year in Science taught?

The Foundation year aims to engage you in all aspects of your learning.

You will gain knowledge, understanding and skills through interactive online lectures, and workshops, online activities and tests, guided research, individual and group projects and virtual laboratories and face to face laboratories. You will receive formative verbal feedback in live teaching practical sessions and summative feedback is provided electronically and/or verbally.

Assessment

Your knowledge and understanding is assessed by individual written assignments and tests, pair and group presentations, learning logs, and demonstrations.

  1. Standard entry requirements
  2. International
  3. How to apply
  1. UK
  2. International
  3. Additional costs

Dr Helen Roberts
Programme leader

Dr Roberts gained a PhD from the University of Glasgow where she investigated the molecular events surrounding steroid-induced skeletal growth retardation. Following this, she moved to the University of Sheffield where she investigated epigenetic biomarkers which were able to predict cancer progression. She has since coordinated research projects both at KU Leuven in Belgium, where she researched the role of epigenetics and autophagy in critical illness-induced bone loss, and at Barts and the London School of Medicine and Dentistry where she used genome-wide molecular profiling to identify epigenetic biomarkers associated with inflammation and immune suppression in critically ill patients. Dr Roberts currently coordinates a research track investigating the epigenetic regulation of aberrant cellular behaviour and subsequent skeletal tissue morbidity. She has a particular interest in the role of epigenetics and autophagy in the regulation of osteosarcoma metastasis and chemoresistance.

Duncan Allardyce
Lecturer in Biochemistry

Duncan teaches across the Chemistry and Life Sciences modules on the Foundation Science programme. He has spent several years working in student support and teaching roles at university level and specialises in lecturing fundamental Biochemistry topics. Duncan completed a Master of Science by research with distinction at Middlesex University and continues his studies with an ongoing PhD/MPhil. His main research interests involve a range of computational, biochemical and bioinformatic approaches with applications in drug design.

  • Trisha Lonergan

    Biomedical Science BSc

    I highly recommend the Foundation Year in Science course, especially if you’re a mature student, like me. I had been out of education for 8 years when I started, and, now that I’m in my first year, I’m really seeing the benefits of having that foundation knowledge.

    I thoroughly enjoyed every minute of the course. The scientific content was genuinely interesting and thoughtfully chosen to prepare you for your degree. There is an academic writing module which teaches you referencing and hones your command of the academic language, which are invaluable skills for your future endeavours.

    I found all the tutors to be passionate about their subject, which was both motivating and a joy to experience. I never once felt under-supported; tutors were always willing to speak to me after class and were very responsive through e-mail. They genuinely want to see you achieve your best – all they ask for in return is your commitment.

  • Carolyn Sarracino

    Biomedical Science BSc

    Having the opportunity to study Biomedical Science with a foundation year was definitely one of the best decisions I made. I felt that every day I was developing new skills and a better understanding of the science behind every subject. I definitely felt more prepared after completing the foundation year and it gave me an insight into what it's like being a university student.

    I also learnt how to write my references correctly and how to interpret data using statistics. I developed independence and confidence towards my studies and I truly believe that all the skills I developed during the foundation year have truly helped me become a better student.

    I'm now a final year student working on my dissertation project on cancer biology and applying all my skills that I have learnt throughout these years. I feel confident and determined to be the best scientist I can be and I am extremely thankful for all the help and support that my lectures and tutors provide me with.

    I would definitely recommend to anyone to do a foundation year as it prepares you very well for the world of science.


We’ll carefully manage any future changes to courses, or the support and other services available to you, if these are necessary because of things like changes to government health and safety advice, or any changes to the law.

Any decisions will be taken in line with both external advice and the University’s Regulations which include information on this.

Our priority will always be to maintain academic standards and quality so that your learning outcomes are not affected by any adjustments that we may have to make.

At all times we’ll aim to keep you well informed of how we may need to respond to changing circumstances, and about support that we’ll provide to you.

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